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Hi I'm Valerie

I'm a family history researcher, a presenter, a wife, a mom and a friend. I believe that families are forever. I am a Mormon.

About Me

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Valerie became fascinated about her family history while still a young girl. Family tradition had it that her gg grandmother was an Indian princes, (a story started by said grandmother no less).
Raised in a family that moved like migratory birds, Valerie latched onto this story. She spent hours reading about horses and Indians – just in case the tribe should ever need her to come and take her rightful place on the throne.
By the time she found out that there was no such thing as Indian royalty, it was too late – she was hooked.
Valerie is a professional family history researcher, presenter, writer and lover of great stories. She uses her background and training to help others find the joy of knowing their own story and preserving it creative and meaningful ways.

Why I am a Mormon

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I remember what life without the teachings of the Mormon church was like. After becoming a member it was like the light came on and I was no longer in darkness. I know that I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father, He loves me and He knows me. I also know He knows and loves you and all of His children. I can come to Him in prayer and find answers, support, strength, comfort and guidance. I am never alone. He sent His son Jesus Christ to atone for my sins so that I could be saved and return to His presence. The teachings that are taught in our church is the same gospel that Christ first taught when he was on the earth. His teachings have been restored and with that knowledge I have more freedom and happiness. I know why I am here on earth, I know where I am going and I know who I am. So many look at the don'ts we have in our church - we don't drink, we don't smoke, we don't believe in sex before marriage. They think we are limited - I know just the opposite is true, I have more freedom. I am free from the effects of tobacco and alcohol, I am free from the consequences of premarital sex like disease, unwanted pregnancies and emotional regret. But those things are way down the list on why I am a Mormon. I am a Mormon because I have fasted, prayed and studied and have found out for myself that it true. That the teachings help me live a happier life. I receive strength and peace through my membership and attendance each Sunday. My religion doesn't begin and end on Sunday. It is part of who I am. I am not only proud to be a Mormon, but I am so very grateful and I thank the Lord everyday for all that He has given me.

How I live my faith

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I serve those in my community by offering free genealogy help and teach how to do research for themselves. By helping people reconnect with their ancestors they are able to better understand who they are and where they came from.
I organize meals and childcare assistance for a young mother of small children suffering from Breast Cancer. I visit and offer assistance to a new widow by being a friend and a shoulder to cry on. I make it a practice to pray for those I know and those I have never met but who are struggling, suffering and need Divine help. I can't do everything, but I try to do something.

What is the Word of Wisdom that Mormons talk about?

Valerie

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This is basically a health code we live by so that our bodies and our spirits may be healthy. There are the don'ts most are familiar with no drinking alcohol, no tobacco but there is also the do's that many are unfamiliar with. The do's encourage to eat whole grains, less meat more fruits and vegetables.
When our bodies are healthy, not chained to addictions, then our spirit is more receptive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.Show moreShow less

How can I find someone to talk with, in person, about the Mormon religion?

Valerie

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Wow there are so many great ways! But, just as you wouldn't want to drink water downstream - always go to the source! Ask the Mormon Church what they believe - not what others think we believe.There are great websites produced by the church that teach our doctrine like www.mormon.org or www.lds.org. You can also go to the phone book and look up The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in your area and someone will help you find the missionaries nearest to you. Missionaries are experts at the basics and are there to answer your questions. My 19 year old son is serving a mission in San Antonio Texas right now and he loves to help answer questions!
One thing about our church that I LOVE, is that we are encouraged to ask questions and search for ourselves the answers. We believe that anyone can ask God and get answers. You don't have to believe what anyone tells you, if you sincerely want to know, you can study it out, you can get on your knees and humbly ask God if it is true and we believe He will tell you.
So what are you waiting for? Ask and it shall be given to you!Show moreShow less

Why do Mormons believe in the Bible?

Valerie

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We believe that the Bible is the word of God given anciently to His prophets. The Bible is a record of God's dealing with man on earth. We believe God talked to man in the past and that He continues to talk to His children today. We love the Bible and it's teachings and study its words and strive to live its teachings.Show moreShow less

Why do Mormons perform baptisms for the dead?

Valerie

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We believe that God loves all of His children - even those who died without knowing Him and His gospel. Heavenly Father has prepared a way so that they too can receive the baptism. Doesn't it make sense that a God of the whole world would provide a way that the whole world could learn of Him? The Bible tells us that all must be baptized to enter His kingdom. A living person preforms the baptism on the deceased person's behalf...but, that is only ratified when the deceased person accepts the baptism. Everyone has the gift of agency, so even if someone is baptized for someone who is dead, unless the the dead wishes it, it is not in effect. But, what if they do wish it, what if the scriptures are true, that baptism is necessary, what greater act of love can we preform for our loved ones who have died, than prepare a way for them to receive all the blessings of baptism and can return to God's presence? I bear witness that performing baptisms is the most wonderful things we can do for those we love. I know that it is a true principle and you can know and find out for yourself if it is true.Show moreShow less